After an underwhelming start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain has officially arrived.
Following a frustrating 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their opening match, questions began to surround one of the tournament favorites. Where was the creativity? Where was the attacking flair that made Spain European champions? More importantly, how much did they miss 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal?
The answer became crystal clear in their 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia.
Yamal returned to the starting lineup after being eased back from a hamstring injury in the Cape Verde match, and Spain instantly looked like the side everyone expected before the tournament began. The Barcelona sensation scored the opening goal just 10 minutes into the match, stretching the Saudi defense with his pace, creativity, and confidence before being substituted at halftime with the game already under control.
His impact went far beyond the scoresheet.
Against Cape Verde, Spain dominated possession but lacked the directness and unpredictability needed to break down a disciplined defense. They completed hundreds of passes but rarely looked threatening in the final third. With Yamal back, everything changed. Spain attacked with far more purpose, moved the ball vertically instead of sideways, and constantly forced Saudi Arabia onto the back foot.
It’s a reminder that while Spain boasts one of the deepest squads in world football, Yamal has already become the player who elevates everyone around him.
That’s a scary thought for the rest of the tournament.
The supporting cast also stepped up. Mikel Oyarzabal rediscovered his finishing touch with a brace, Spain created chance after chance, and Luis de la Fuente was comfortable enough to rest both Oyarzabal and Yamal after halftime with the result all but secured.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway wasn’t simply the scoreline—it was how Spain looked. They finally resembled the aggressive, fearless team that entered the tournament among the favorites to lift the trophy.
For nations dreaming of deep runs, that’s bad news.
The United States, for example, has legitimate ambitions of reaching the quarterfinals after an impressive group-stage performance. But if the bracket holds, Spain could be waiting. On current form, that would represent one of the toughest possible tests in world football.
With Yamal healthy, Spain suddenly has everything: elite midfield control, clinical finishing, defensive stability, and arguably the most electrifying young player on the planet.
One poor performance against Cape Verde caused some to wonder if Spain had been overrated.
Ninety minutes later, they reminded everyone exactly why they were considered one of the favorites before a ball was kicked.
The message to the rest of the World Cup is simple:
Spain is back.
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